7-String, string set on a 6-string PRS

So I have an old PRS Santana SE that I absolutely love, and I had an idea --

My idea is to buy a pack of 7-string strings and put the 6 lowest strings on the guitar, while omitting the high-E. The reason is that there are a lot of songs I'd like to play that use 7-string guitars, and tuning that low with a regular set of strings only sorta works.

I was gonna possibly invest in a 7-string guitar, but then thought this might work just as well.

Has anyone else tried this with any success? I don't see why it wouldn't work, but I'm just morbidly curious since I've never heard of anyone doing this.

A 7-string guitar is not some magical instrument where low tunings work better. It's just a guitar with 7 strings instead of 6. Therefore yes, your plan would work, just be aware that you'll want to tune to B standard rather than 7-string standard (E with a low B). The only thing to be aware of is that you *may* need to have your nut slot re-cut for those heavier strings (though I would say probably not unless you plan to go with drop F# and 74-80 gauge strings).

I highly recommend using Dunlop Heavy Core 10-60 strings, they are excellent in that they aren't quite telephone lines but they have as much tension on them as some significantly heavier strings. Perfect for B standard tuning. The usual 13-56 strings you find around just do not cut it for a low B in my opinion, you will run into intonation and tuning stability issues without at least a 60.

You CAN play anything with anything....but some guitars sound right for some things, and not for others. Single coils sound retarded for metal, though those who are apeshit about harpsichord probably beg to differ.

Yes, I've played in Drop-A for years and years and I do the same thing on my Jackson and ESP. You will have to adjust some things, though... Truss-rod, action, even the nut might need widening a little so it can fit the larger strings.

I should add, for what it's worth, that I use the 7-string sets instead of the large gauge 6-string sets mainly because I prefer the sound and feel of the wound 3rd string much more instead of having a plain string.

I should add, for what it's worth, that I use the 7-string sets instead of the large gauge 6-string sets mainly because I prefer the sound and feel of the wound 3rd string much more instead of having a plain string.

I'd take the guitars scale length into consideration when choosing what tuning to use.PRS's have a kinda short scale. Longer scales work better with lower tunings, but that doesn't mean you can't.Bands like Carcass and Inflames do use 24.75" guitars tuned to low tunings like B and Drop A#

TS, personally I would just buy a 7 string guitar. I think it'll save you much hassle in the ong run. Save up for one depending on how much you think you're going to use it. You could get an RG7321 for like $400 new, I'd guess like $200 for a used one. Also, 7 string > Baritone, imo. The 7 string has a baritone in it essentially and usually the necks aren't hard to adjust to with my little time playing them. You might even find a new playing style and ditch 6's all together.